DoD's $8.6M LITES contract awarded to Radiance Technologies Inc. for R&D support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,632,257 ($8.6M)
Contractor: Radiance Technologies Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-01-27
End Date: 2028-01-27
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: LASER INTEGRATION, TEST AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT (LITES)
Place of Performance
Location: KIRTLAND AFB, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87117
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $8.6 million to RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: LASER INTEGRATION, TEST AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT (LITES) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on specialized laser integration, testing, and engineering. 2. Radiance Technologies Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the sector. 4. Potential for high-value technological advancements.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of laser integration.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific awardee is Radiance Technologies Inc., indicating they were the most competitive bidder for this specialized service.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced research and development, which could yield long-term technological benefits but carries inherent risks of research outcomes.
Public Impact
Supports advanced defense technology development. Potential for innovation in laser systems. Contract duration of 5 years allows for sustained research effort. Geographic location in New Mexico may impact local economy.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can inflate costs.
- Limited public information on specific deliverables and success metrics.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D for the Department of Defense.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but often involves high risk and long development cycles.
Small Business Impact
No specific information is provided regarding small business participation in this contract. The awardee, Radiance Technologies Inc., is a large business.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to ensure cost control and adherence to research objectives given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. The Department of the Air Force is responsible for contract management.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Specialized R&D with inherent technical risks.
- Sole awardee may limit future competitive options.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, nm, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $8.6 million to RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INC. LASER INTEGRATION, TEST AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT (LITES)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $8.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-01-27. End: 2028-01-27.
What are the key performance indicators for this contract and how will success be measured?
Key performance indicators are not publicly detailed. Success will likely be measured by the successful integration, testing, and engineering of laser systems according to specified technical requirements and milestones. The Department of the Air Force will monitor progress against contract deliverables and performance standards.
What are the primary risks associated with this R&D contract?
Primary risks include technical feasibility challenges in laser integration, potential cost overruns due to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, and the inherent uncertainty of research outcomes. Delays in testing or engineering could also impact project timelines and overall effectiveness.
How does this contract contribute to the Department of Defense's overall technological advantage?
This contract contributes by advancing critical capabilities in laser technology, which has applications in areas such as directed energy weapons, advanced sensing, and secure communications. Successful R&D here can enhance situational awareness, force protection, and overall mission effectiveness for the DoD.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: FA945121S0001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Radiance Technologies, Inc.
Address: 310 BOB HEATH DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,278,205
Exercised Options: $18,278,205
Current Obligation: $8,632,257
Actual Outlays: $315,003
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 51
Total Subaward Amount: $1,220,383
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-01-27
Current End Date: 2028-01-27
Potential End Date: 2028-01-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-16
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